Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles

ABSTRACT

There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of at least a first panel of sterilization material and includes an additional panel of material. The first panel is multi-layered and includes at least one pathogen filtration layer. The first panel is rectangular and has an outer periphery and a central portion. The outer periphery includes first, second, third and fourth edges. The additional panel of material is bonded to the first panel, approximately at a forty-five degree angle to the first panel, with a substantial portion of the additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of the first panel. The perimeter of the additional panel is smaller than the perimeter of the first panel. Portions of the additional panel are bonded to the first panel along the first, second, third and fourth edges of the first panel. The article to be sterilized is placed on the additional panel, is wrapped, and sterilant is applied to the wrapped article. A chemical visual indicator is provided to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/685,545, filed on Oct. 14, 2003, titled IMPROVEDSTERILIZATION WRAPS AND METHODS FOR STERILIZING ARTICLES.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sterilization wrap. More particularly, itrelates to sterilization wrap utilizing at least two layers or panels ofmaterial.

Reusable medical instruments must be sterilized prior to each use.Normally, these instruments are exposed to a sterilant to achievesterilization. As used herein, the term steriliant is meant to refer tothe sterilization effectors that are conventionally utilized withsterilization wrap, sterilization techniques, including but not limitedto steam, ethylene-oxide, plasma, or the like. In order for theinstruments to remain sterile after the sterilization procedure, theinstruments must be wrapped in a material called sterilization wrapprior to the sterilization procedure.

The most common type of sterilization wrap is a three-ply laminateconsisting of a layer of melt blown polypropylene sandwiched between twolayers of spun bond polypropylene. The wrap includes bond points allacross the face of the material so that the material is held together,i.e., laminated. This three-ply material is commonly referred to as“SMS,” which is short for spun bond—melt blown—spun bond. Most hospitalsspecify SMS as the sterilization wrap to be used because SMS issufficiently porous to permit steam, ethylene-oxide and othersterilization materials to penetrate through the material to thesurgical instruments, but has filtration properties sufficient toprevent the passage of most pathogens therethrough so as to maintainsterility after the sterilization process. The wrap also protectsarticles during sterilization and acts as a filtration medium for thesterilant.

In most hospitals, there is a protocol which requires surgicalinstruments to be wrapped with two separate panels of material so thatif one panel becomes torn but not discovered, there is a redundancywhich will maintain the sterility of the surgical instruments. Thewrapping of surgical instruments with two separate panels ofsterilization wrap obviously is labor intensive in that the clinicianmust first place the instruments on one panel of sterilization materialand wrap the instruments, and then place the wrapped package on anotherpanel of sterilization material and again wrap the package containingthe instruments.

In an attempt to reduce the labor required to provide dual wrapping ofsurgical instruments, Kimberly-Clark Corporation has developed a productcalled “One Step® Sterilization Wrap.” One Step® Sterilization Wrap ismade by bonding two separate panels of sterilization wrap together neartwo of the edges of the adjacent panels. The Kimberly-Clark One Step®product is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,635,134 and 5,688,476.

FIG. 1 herein shows one of the Kimberly-Clark One Step® productsdescribed in these Kimberly-Clark patents. Sterilization wrap 10includes a top panel 12 made of SMS and a bottom panel 14 also made ofSMS. The lengths and widths of top panel 12 and bottom panel 14 areidentical and the outside edges of each layer align with one another.The two layers of SMS are bonded together near two opposing edges 16 and18, as illustrated by bond lines 20 and 22. The method of bonding thetwo panels together may be ultrasonic bonding. The other two opposingedges 24 and 26 are not bonded together so there is a visible gap 28between panels 12 and 14 so that the user of the sterilization wrapvisually distinguishes the fact that there are, indeed, two panels.Apparently the purpose for ensuring that the two panels are visuallydistinguishable as separate panels is so that the user knows withcertainty that the item to be sterilized has two panel protection.However, because of this gap 28, debris could enter the region betweenthe two panels. With two of the edges being unbonded, it is possiblethat the panels become misaligned so that if a sharp object penetratesboth panels, the resulting holes in each panel could also becomemisaligned, thus reducing ones ability to determine whether or not thereis a hole through both panels. In addition, since edges 24 and 26 arenot bonded and bond lines 20 and 22 are somewhat removed from edges 16and 18, fibers from those edges could become released from the wrap.Also, since the edges 24 and 26 are not bonded, the two panels might bepulled apart by mistake during use. Furthermore, since the wrap shown inFIG. 1 is not sealed right to the edges 16 and 18, the user mightperceive that there could be contamination between the panels.

Recently Cardinal Health has introduced a new two panel sterilizationwrap called Simul-Wrap® which overcomes the problems of theKimberly-Clark One Step® product described above. The Simul-Wrap®product is made of two identical panels of SMS sterilization materialwhich are bonded together along all four edges. The Cardinal HealthSimul-Wrap® product is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,916. However, boththe One Step® product and the Simul-Wrap® product could be improved.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, the general object of this invention to provideimproved sterilization wraps and methods for the use thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one form of this invention, there is provided asterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized. A firstpanel of sterilization material is provided. The first panel ispreferably rectangular and has an outer periphery and a central portion.The outer periphery includes first, second, third and fourth edges. Anadditional panel of material is provided. The additional panel ofmaterial is bonded to the first panel. A substantial portion of theadditional panel is adjacent to the central portion of the first panel.The perimeter of the additional panel is smaller than the perimeter ofthe first panel. A portion of the additional panel is bonded to thefirst panel along the first edge.

In accordance with another form of this invention, there is provided asterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized. A firstpanel of sterilization material is provided. An additional panel ofmaterial is provided. The additional panel is attached to the firstpanel. The first panel is multi-layered and includes at least onepathogen filtration layer. The additional panel does not include apathogen filtration layer.

In accordance with another form of this invention, there is provided asterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized. A firstrectangular panel of sterilization material is provided. An additionalrectangular panel is provided. The additional panel is bonded to thefirst panel. The additional panel is oriented on the first panel so asto form a diamond shape with respect to the first panel.

In accordance with still another form of this invention, there areprovided methods for sterilizing an article, including the steps ofproviding an article to be sterilized and wrapping the article to besterilized with the sterilization wraps described above and applyingsterilant to the wrapped article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is set forth inthe appended claims. The invention itself, however, together withfurther objects and advantages thereof may be better understood inreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art sterilization wrap;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of sterilization wrap;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 2 with anarticle to be sterilized received thereon;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 2 takenthrough section line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of sterilization wrap.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 5 takenthrough section lines 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of sterilization wrap.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 7 takenthrough section lines 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of sterilization wrap.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 9 takenthrough section lines 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of sterilization wrap.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 11 takenthrough section lines 12-12.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of FIG. 13, including the article to besterilized.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 13 takenthrough section lines 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 14 takenthrough section lines 17-17.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 18 takenthrough section lines 19-19.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial view of yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the sterilization wrap of FIG. 20 takenthrough sections lines 21-21.

The thicknesses of the materials shown in the drawings have beenexaggerated for illustrative purposes and for ease of understanding. Inaddition, the thicknesses of the bond sites are exaggerated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2, there is providedsterilization wrap 30 having a first panel or layer 32 and a second oradditional layer or panel 34. The first panel or layer 32 may be made ofany fibrous or non-fibrous material so long as it can perform thefunction of sterilization wrap so as to inhibit pathogens from passingtherethrough but will permit sterilant such as steam and ethylene topass therethrough (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “sterilizationmaterial”). Preferably, the first layer 32, which is the outside layer,is made of SMS. The material from which the first layer 32 is made issometimes referred to herein as a panel of sterilization material. Thesecond layer 34, which is the inside layer and which, in the embodimentof FIG. 2 is absorbent, may be made of cellulose or some other absorbentmaterial, which absorbs liquids and aids in drying and which alsopermits a sterilant, such as steam or ethylene-oxide, to passtherethrough, but inhibits pathogens from passing therethrough. Otherabsorbent materials could include, but are not limited to, absorbentsynthetics such as hydrophillic spunmelt polyolefins, polyester, nylon,as well as polyrayons and bicomponent fibers. The second layer 34 issometimes referred to herein as a panel of absorbent material. In orderto reduce the cost of the sterilization wrap 30 while not reducing itseffectiveness, the second or inside layer 34 has a smaller perimeterthan the first or outside layer 32. It is preferred that the perimeterof the inside layer 34 be at least 25% less than the outside layer 32.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the inside layer 34 receives the article tobe sterilized 36 thereon. Often the article to be sterilized is a traycontaining surgical instruments. Wrapping protocol calls for article tobe sterilized 36 to be oriented forty-five degrees with respect to SMSpanel 32. While inside layer 34 has a smaller perimeter than outsidelayer 32, it should be large enough so that when the article to besterilized 36 is wrapped by sterilization wrap 30, both the bottom andsides of the article to be sterilized 36 is covered by inside layer 34.

Outside layer 32 includes a central portion 38. Inside layer 34 isadjacent to the central portion 38 and is attached to the first panel 32by means of gluing, ultrasonic bonding or some other form of adherence.Glue spots 40 are illustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, inside layer 34may be made of any fibrous or non-fibrous material, preferably but notlimited to SMS or spun bond polypropylene which adds strength but doesnot have the liquid absorbent properties of cellulose. The structure ofinside layer 34 when it is made of SMS is discussed below in referenceto FIG. 9. The structure of inside layer 34 when it is made of spun bondpolypropylene is discussed below in reference to FIGS. 13-19. In anyevent, this inside layer provides abuse resistance and containmentproperties over the prior art sterilization wrap described above.

By reinforcing the area of direct contact under the article to besterilized 36, the primary point of potential damage to the wrap hasbeen addressed. The method by which trays are wrapped yield severallayers of material folds on the top of the article to be sterilized 36.In the event that wrapped articles get stacked on top of one another,thicker and/or heavier inside layer 34 protects the underside of thearticle 36 while the multiple folds are responsive to contact on the topside of article 36.

As noted, also the inner layer 34 may be made of a moisture absorbentmaterial, such as cellulose, which provides an enhanced moistureabsorption function. After the article to be sterilized 36 has beensterilized, in particularly through a steam sterilization process,moisture often remains on the article to be sterilized 36. This moistureenhances the growth of pathogens which may not have been killed duringthe sterilization process. By using an absorbent material, i.e.,absorption material, as the material for layer 34, this moisture tendsto be wicked away from the article to be sterilized 36 and moreeffectively dried. Thus the chances of pathogen growth on or around thearticle to be sterilized is greatly reduced.

It is preferred that outer layer 32 be of a different color from innerlayer 34. Since inner layer 34 is always within the sterile field, thiscolor differential will inform the sterile clinician that it is okay totouch any portion of the sterile field formed by the inside surface ofouter layer 32 and inside layer 34.

It is also preferred that a sterilization chemical visual indicator 42,which may also be an integrator or emulator, be adhered to inside layer34 or to the inside surface 41 of outside layer 32 in the vicinity ofinside layer 34. The sterilization indicator could be of a chemistrywhich meets or exceeds the requirements of Class 1-Class 6 chemicalindicators as defined by ISO 11140-1. The sterilization indicator turnscolor in the presence of steam or ethylene-oxide or other sterilant andwill remain at that color after sterilization has taken place. Thisinforms the clinician that the article to be sterilized has, indeed,been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions at the time that theclinician opens the wrapped article.

Sterilization indicators are known and two such indicators are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,361 issued to Hirsch and U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,799issued to Korpman, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.Sterilization integrators are known and one such integrator is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,548, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

The sterilization wrap described above can be manufactured usingconventional equipment and techniques readily available to those skilledin the medical fabric field.

The sterilization wrap described above may be used as set forth below.The article to be sterilized 36, as shown in FIG. 3, is placed on theoutside surface of inner layer 34. The article to be sterilized 36 isthen wrapped utilizing standard sterilization wrapping techniques sothat a portion of the inside layer 34 covers the bottom and sides of thearticle to be sterilized 36, and a portion of the outside layer 32 alsocovers the top of the article to be sterilized 36. The wrapped packageis then exposed to a sterilization process. The wrapped package issubjected to sterilants, such as steam, ethylene-oxide or plasma, for apredetermined period of time so that substantially all of the pathogenswhich may be present on the article to be sterilized 36 are killed. Thepackage is then stored for usage. When it is time to use the article tobe sterilized 36, the package is unwrapped by the clinician. The sterileclinician will know it is all right to touch the sterile field formed bythe inner layer 34 because the inner layer 34 and the outside layer 32are different colors. The clinician will then observe the status ofsterilization indicator, integrator, or emulator 42 to determine whetheror not the article 36 has been exposed to adequate sterilizationconditions. The article to be sterilized 36 may then be used.

The above-described improved sterilization wrap provides the two layersof protection and ease of use associated with Kimberly-Clark's One Step®and Cardinal Health's Simul-Wrap®, while having the added features ofincreased protection in the central area adjacent to the article to besterilized and further providing an ability to wick moisture away fromthe article to be sterilized, particularly in the case of steamsterilization, and in addition, visually informs the clinician that theinside of the wrap is the sterile field and visually informs theclinician that the article has, indeed, been exposed to adequatesterilization conditions.

While FIGS. 2 through 4 show absorbent layer 34 attached to a singlepanel of sterilization material, it is preferred that two (2) layers ofsterilization material are utilized.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, two-layersterilization wrap 44 is provided and includes outside layer 46 andinside layer 48, each made of sterilization material such as SMS. Thetwo layers 46 and 48 each have four edges 49, 51, 53 and 55 and arebonded together at the four edges about their outer peripheries 50,preferably by heat and pressure. The bonded two-layer sterilizationmaterial 44 may be the Simul-Wrap® product which is commerciallyavailable from Cardinal Health (1500 Waukegan Road, McGaw Park, Ill.60085) and which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,916, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additional layer52, which may be made of cellulose or another moisture absorbingsubstance, is bonded to the outside of inner layer 48 by gluing oranother bonding technique, as illustrated by bond sites 54.Alternatively, additional layer 52 may be made of any fibrous ornon-fibrous material, preferably but not limited to SMS or spun bondpolypropylene as discussed in reference to FIGS. 2, 9 and 13-19.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, a sterilizationindicator device 56 is attached to absorbent layer 52.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 9 and 10, the absorbent layer52 has been replaced with a reinforcement panel 58 made of either afibrous or non-fibrous material, preferably but not limited to SMS.Panel 58 has an equal to or higher basis weight than either layer 46 or48. The basis weight of panel 58 may range from 1.0 ounces per squareyard (osy) to 3.0 osy. The basis weight for each of layers 46 and 48 mayrange from 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy. While reinforcement panel 58 does notprovide the moisture wicking function of absorption layer 52, itprovides additional protection for the article to be sterilized 36 asshown in FIG. 5, which is to be placed on reinforcement panel 58. Theembodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 results in a more cost effectiveproduct than the use of two full panels of SMS, but is equalfunctionally, since less material is used. FIG. 9 also shows asterilization indicator 56 having been placed on the outside surface ofinner panel 48.

The embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 represents a combination of theembodiments of FIGS. 7 and 9. That is, reinforcement panel 58 isattached to inside SMS layer 48. Absorbent layer 52 is, in turn,attached to reinforcement layer 58. Chemical visual indicator 56 isattached to absorbent layer 52. Alternatively, indicator 56 may beattached to reinforcement layer 58 or to inside layer 48. In addition,in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, outside SMS layer could beeliminated.

The embodiment of FIGS. 13-17 represents the preferred embodiment of theinvention. A first panel 60 of sterilization wrap is made ofsterilization material and preferably includes a layer of pathogenfiltration material, such as melt blown polypropylene. Preferably, firstpanel 60 is made of SMS. First panel 60 includes a central portiongenerally indicated within the bounds of dashed-lines 62 as shown inFIG. 14. First panel 60 also includes an outer periphery 64. Outerperiphery 64 includes four edges 66, 68, 70 and 72. Preferably, a secondpanel 74 of sterilization wrap is adjacent to and in register with firstpanel 60. Preferably, the first and second panels are rectangular. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, the first panel 60 of sterilizationmaterial is bonded to the second panel 74 of sterilization materialalong all four edges 66, 68, 70 and 72. The preferred bonding method isultrasonic bonding. An additional panel 76 is bonded to first panel 60.The additional panel 76 could be made from any fibrous or non-fibrousmaterial. Preferably, the additional panel 76 does not include apathogen filtration layer and is not made from sterilization material.More preferably, additional panel 76 is made of spun bond polypropylene.Additional panel 76 is oriented so that additional panel 76 forms adiamond pattern with respect to first panel 60. As used herein,“diamond” includes both rhombus and square shapes. Preferably,additional panel 76 is oriented forty-five degrees with respect to firstpanel 60. A substantial portion of additional panel 76 is adjacent tothe central portion 62 of first panel 60. Additional panel 76 ispreferably rectangular and includes four corners, namely, corners 78,80, 82 and 84. In the preferred embodiment all four corners are bondedto first panel 60 as shown in FIG. 15, i.e., corner 78 of additionalpanel 76 is bonded to edge 66 of first panel 60; corner 80 is bonded toedge 68; corner 82 is bonded to edge 70; and corner 84 is bonded to edge72. However, as shown in FIG. 20, only three of the edges are bonded tothe panel. Preferably, this corner to edge bonding is also accomplishedby ultrasonic bonding. As used herein, the term corner includes a regionof the additional panel 76 where two of its edges approach one another.The perimeter of additional panel 76 is less than the perimeter of firstpanel 60.

As shown in FIG. 15, chemical visual indicator 88, which has previouslybeen described, may be attached to additional layer 76. FIG. 15 alsoillustrates the preferred orientation of the article to be sterilized 90with respect to additional panel 76 and first panel 60. The protocol forwrapping articles to be sterilized with sterilization wrap is to orientthe article at a forty-five degree angle with respect to the firststerilization panel 60. Since, the preferred embodiment calls for theadditional panel 76 to be oriented at a forty-five degree angle withrespect to the first panel 60, the clinician may place the article to besterilized with respect to additional panel 76 in alignment with theedges of that panel so that the article will automatically be positionedat a forty-five degree angle with respect to first panel 60.

It is preferred that additional panel 76 has a lower basis weight thanfirst sterilization panel 60 or second sterilization panel 74.Preferably, the basis weight of the additional panel 76 is in the rangeof 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy. Preferably, the basis weight of each of the firstpanel 60 and the second panel 74 is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy.In addition, it is preferred that the grab tensile to basis weight ratioof additional panel 74 is equal to or greater than the grab tensile tobasis weight ratio of the first panel 60.

Preferably, each corner of the additional panel 76 is bonded to thefirst panel 60 at or about the mid-point of each edge of the first panel60.

The embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS.14-17 except that a single sheet 92 of sterilization material isutilized which is folded in half, as illustrated by fold line 94, toprovide two panels of sterilization material 96 and 98. Preferably, onlythree edges 100, 102 and 104 of the two panels 96 and 98 are bondedtogether, although these two panels 96 and 98 could also be bonded alongfold 94. The corners 78, 80 and 82 of additional panel 76 are bonded topanel 96 along edges 100, 102 and 104. Corner 84 is bonded to panel 96adjacent to fold 94.

The embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21 is identical to the embodiment ofFIGS. 18 and 19 except that corner 84 of additional panel 76 is notbonded to panel 96 adjacent to fold 94.

The method for sterilizing article 90 using the sterilization wrapdescribed in reference to FIGS. 13-19 is the same method as describedabove in reference to the sterilization wrap shown in FIG. 3.

The construction of the sterilization wrap shown in FIGS. 13-19 providesnumerous advantages over the prior art. The additional panel 76 made ofspun bond polypropylene which is adjacent to the central portion of oneof the two SMS panels provides substantial physical protection for thearticle to be sterilized 90 compared to the prior art two panel SMSproduct. The additional protection is provided precisely where it isneeded, that is, in the central portion 62 where the article to besterilized is placed. In addition, the forty-five degree orientation ofthe additional panel 76 with respect to first SMS panel allows theclinician to more readily orient the article to be sterilized 90 in thecorrect position with respect to the SMS panels.

From the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, it is apparent that many modifications may be made therein.It should be understood, however, that these embodiments of theinvention are exemplifications of the invention only and that theinvention is not limited thereto. It is to be understood, therefore,that it is intended in the appended claims to cover all modifications asfall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A sterilization wrap for wrapping at least one article to besterilized comprising: a first panel of sterilization material; saidfirst panel being rectangular; a second panel of sterilization materialadjacent to and in register with said first panel; an additional panel;said additional panel adapted to receive the article to be sterilized;said additional panel being rectangular; said additional panel beingbonded to said first panel; said additional panel being oriented on saidfirst panel so as to form a diamond shape with respect to said firstpanel; said additional panel being foldable so that said additionalpanel contacts at least the bottom and sides of the article to besterilized after wrapping, wherein said first and second panels areformed by a single folded sheet of sterilization material; said firstpanel has first, second, third and fourth edges; said additional panelhas first, second, third and fourth corners; and exactly three edges ofsaid first panel are bonded to exactly three corners of said additionalpanel, and wherein said first panel is rectangular and exactly threecorners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of saidfirst panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
 2. Asterilization wrap as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second panel ofsterilization material is bonded to said first panel of sterilizationmaterial.
 3. A sterilization wrap as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidadditional panel is oriented approximately forty-five degrees withrespect to said first panel.
 4. A sterilization wrap as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said additional panel is made of spun bondpolypropylene.
 5. A sterilization wrap as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid first panel is made of SMS.
 6. A sterilization wrap as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said second panel is made of SMS.
 7. A sterilizationwrap as set forth in claim 1, wherein said additional panel has a lowerbasis weight than said first panel.
 8. A sterilization wrap as set forthin claim 7, wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in therange of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy and the basis weight of said first panel isin the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy.
 9. A sterilization wrap as setforth in claim 1, wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of saidadditional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basisweight ratio of said first panel.
 10. A sterilization wrap as set forthin claim 1, wherein the additional panel is made from cellulose,hydrophilic spunmelt polyolefins, polyester, nylon, polyrayons,bicomponent fibers, spun bond polypropylene, or combinations thereof.11. A sterilization wrap as set forth in claim 1, wherein said firstpanel is multi-layered and includes at least one pathogen filtrationlayer and said additional panel does not include a pathogen filtrationlayer.
 12. A sterilization wrap as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidfirst panel has an outer periphery and a central portion; a substantialportion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portionof said first panel.
 13. A sterilization wrap as set forth in claim 12,wherein the perimeter of said additional panel is smaller than theperimeter of said first panel.
 14. A sterilization wrap as set forth inclaim 12.